2026/01/16

Eye Opener: Trump signs law returning whole milk, 2% to school lunches

It's Friday, January 16.

Today's emoji forecast: ❄️🥶 It's windy and cold, with snow chances increasing throughout the day Friday. Jon Rivas has your forecast.

What people are talking about:

Former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts is scheduled to change his plea in federal court.
Several northern Iowa schools delayed or canceled classes due to Friday's weather.
Mercy One has announced that its medical clinic in Ottumwa will close on Feb. 27, leaving hundreds of patients and 30 staff members to seek new healthcare options and employment.

TOP STORY: Iowa dairy farmers could see boost from new law that allows schools to serve whole milk

THE 101: Iowa's public schools can serve whole or 2% milk to students for the first time in over a decade. It comes as President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Wednesday, which removes Obama-era restrictions requiring any milk served by schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to be low-fat or fat-free.

WHY IT MATTERS: The new rules will change meals served to about 30 million students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. Schools will be required to provide students with a range of fluid milk options, which can now include flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole milk, 2%, 1% and lactose-free milk, as well as non-dairy options that meet nutrition standards.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

Anderson Erickson Dairy CEO Miriam Erickson Brown said the change will allow the company to provide products students prefer.
The American Farm Bureau Federation says fluid milk consumption has fallen nearly 30% since 2010; new dietary guidelines also encourage whole milk.
Whole milk is often more expensive, so schools could see higher costs but might reduce food waste by offering more popular choices.

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

🐶 Crews rescue stranded dog: A Great Pyrenees dubbed "Banks" was rescued Wednesday after getting stuck in mud along the Iowa River just outside Marshalltown, prompting a boat response from the Marshalltown Fire Department because the heavily wooded area prevented police from reaching the dog on foot. Read more

🏒 Seeking a medal at Winter Olympics: Two players from the Iowa Wild are preparing to represent their countries at the Winter Olympics in Milan, with goalie Samuel Hlavaj playing for Slovakia and defenseman David Špaček joining the Czech team. Read more

🚆 What not to do: A van in Marshall County narrowly avoided a collision with a train after crossing railroad tracks despite warning signals, according to a video posted by the State Center Police Department. Read more

🚨Inspector imposter: A northwest Iowa man is facing several charges after investigators say he impersonated a health inspector at a local restaurant. Read more

WEEKEND WEATHER

Strong winds are already in place this morning and snow chances increase as the day goes, with a winter weather advisory in effect until 9 p.m.

Streaming snow showers are expected through the day, lasting into the evening. Most of these will be light to moderate in nature and give way to minor travel impacts. A few harsher bands are expected, including possible snow squalls, which can reduce visibility and create whiteout conditions.

Snowfall could be up to 2 inches in some areas, with winds gusting up to 40 mph.

» KCCI skycams: See views at 25 sites across Iowa from the KCCI camera network

» KCCI map room: Browse updated weather forecast maps, graphics

DAY BY DAY:

Today: Windy with increasing clouds. Scattered snow showers with blowing snow possible. Morning high of 35F with temps falling to near 20. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
Tomorrow: Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 12F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
Sunday: Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 32F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.